Updates

SOME ACTIVITIES THAT TOOK PLACE BEFORE WE ALL MOVED TO OUR LOCKDOWN BUBBLES...

ALLPROOF FACTORY TOUR

Allproof Industries hosted a factory tour and industry update in conjunction with Auckland Master Plumbers in late February. “The evening was an exciting opportunity to discuss how New Zealand-made construction products cater to the local market in terms of supply, quality and reliability,” says Allproof Marketing Manager Chris Paterson. “Master Plumbers CEO Greg Wallace focused on this subject during his speech, citing the benefits of purchasing locally designed and developed products that meet Building Code requirements and AS/NZ Standards.”

Allproof have been supplying our market with NZ-made plumbing products for over 30 years, and over this time have built a production facility spread over five buildings. “Our 100-strong team of tradesmen, machine operators, engineers and operations staff uphold the highest level of quality and integrity in our products,” says Chris.

Allproof is a family-run business and Ian Jackson and son Adam thanked everyone for attending before opening up the evening’s catering, with food truck dishes complemented by cold lager and craft beer on tap. Talk to your local Allproof rep if you’d like an Allproof factory tour when business returns to normal.

MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE

The minimum wage has gone up again: 1 April 2020 saw an increase to $18.90 per hour, and the government’s plan is to get it to $20 by 1 April 2021. Those on starting-out and training wages (apprentices) also saw a boost in pay to $15.12 per hour (80% of the adult minimum wage). Make sure you are paying what you should be—there can be hefty fines if you’re not! Employers need to keep accurate and complete records. You leave yourself open to any kind of claim from employees if you don’t.

WATER FILTER DEVELOPER FINED

Kiwipure Ltd has been fined $162,000 for making unsubstantiated claims about its magnetic water filtration system. The company said the benefits of its “world first” system were scientifically proven, when in fact it had relied only on anecdotal evidence and assumptions in claiming that a magnetic ‘virtual ionizer’ in its water filtration system softened water—and that soft water would prevent scale build-up in hot water systems and pipes.

Commerce Commission chair Anna Rawlings said the case was an important precedent. “Businesses must be able to back up any advertising claims they make about goods and services at the time they are making them. Consumers are entitled to rely on trade claims when making purchasing decisions. If you can’t back it up—don’t say it.”

Beyond Covid: ‘Shovel Ready’

It will be hard to know the full economic impact of COVID-19 for some time to come, but one thing is for sure: New Zealand needs to be ‘shovel ready’ to stimulate the economy as soon as things return to normal. The government has established an Infrastructure Industry Reference Group (IIRG) to advise on issues affecting the construction industry as a result of the pandemic and to prepare a list of infrastructure projects that could get going immediately or within six months.

These new projects will be in addition to the government’s recently announced $12 billion infrastructure investment programme. “We are focused on the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders first and foremost, and we need to get out the other side of this pandemic,” said Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford in April. “However, the Government is also planning ahead for when that time comes.”

Water, transport, clean energy and buildings are among the types of projects the Government will consider. “They would also have a public or regional benefit, create jobs and be able to get underway in short order,” he added.

The group is seeking out projects with a value of over $10 million but will also consider smaller projects if they have a direct and immediate benefit on their regional economies and communities.

BUTE BBQS

Buteline had begun a BBQ Roadshow at various plumbing merchants around NZ before the COVID-19 lockdown meant it had to postpone. The Buteline trailer had made its way from the Far North and Auckland to the Rotorua and Taupo region for a catch up with members of the Volcanic Plateau Master Plumbers branch. Attendees enjoyed a chance to catch up with local Buteline representatives, get free checks and technical advice, check out new Buteline and Pexline products, win prizes and, of course, grab a bite to eat.